1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of nitrone-type dipoles to uncomplexed and metal-bound substrates bearing the CN triple bond

► Ligation to metal centers greatly enhance reactivity of nitrile and isocyanide ligands toward 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrone-type dipoles. ► Theoretical studies of nitrone to nitrile cycloaddition. ► Route for generation of little explored 2,3-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole species.